CPCT/A (NHA) - Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant

The Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) certification is designed for healthcare professionals who assist doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff in providing direct patient care. This certification demonstrates proficiency in skills including basic patient care, EKG monitoring, phlebotomy, and assisting with medical procedures.

Completion Time: 2 hours

Eligibility and Certification Requirements

• Completing a patient care technician/assistant training program or equivalent clinical experience.

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Completing clinical hours or externship, as the certifying organization requires.

• To pass the CPCT/A certification exam, you need to score a minimum of 390 on a scale of 200 to 500. The NHA exam follows a pass/fail system, where a scaled score method is used to determine your result.

Exam Format

The CPCT/A exam is computer-based and can be taken at your school, a nearby PSI testing center, or through live remote proctoring at your preferred location.

The exam typically includes 100 multiple-choice questions covering basic patient care, EKG, phlebotomy, safety and compliance, and patient communication.

After you take an online exam, NHA will post your certification results to your account page within two days.

Apply for the CPCT/A certification through a certifying organization like the NHA.

Meet the eligibility criteria and pass the CPCT/A certification examination.

CPCT/A certification generally requires renewal every 2 years.

Renewal involves completing continuing education credits in relevant healthcare topics and paying a recertification fee.

Continuing education for CPCT/As may include advanced patient care techniques, updates in healthcare technology and policies, and specialized care areas like geriatrics or pediatrics.

For specific information regarding Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant certification, including eligibility criteria, examination details, approved educational programs, and renewal processes, it is recommended to consult directly with recognized certifying organizations such as the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). These organizations provide comprehensive resources and standards for patient care technicians/assistants seeking certification.

Career Opportunities

CPCT/As work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare.

Duties include monitoring vital signs, assisting with medical procedures, performing EKGs and phlebotomy, and providing basic patient care.

The NHA also offers the following certifications:

• Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

• Certified EKG Technician (CET)

• Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

• Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)

• Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS)

• Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) 

• Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)